The Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority (Authority) is pleased to announce that Wolfspeed’s Mohawk Valley Fab (MVF) Facility has obtained a RecycleOne Business Certification.
The RecycleOne Business Certification requires an on-site review from Authority staff to verify that specific solid waste management criteria have been met. Once these criteria have been met, the business will receive an official RecycleOne Business Certification. This certification is free and available to all businesses in Oneida and Herkimer Counties. Certified businesses receive a framed certificate to display, are featured on the Authority’s website, and are eligible to win the Authority’s annual Recycling Champion Award.
Meet the Business: Wolfspeed
Wolfspeed leads the market in the worldwide adoption of silicon carbide technologies that power the world’s most disruptive innovations. As the pioneers of silicon carbide, and creators of the most advanced semiconductor technology on earth, Wolfspeed is committed to powering a better world for everyone.
Wolfspeed opened its MVF Facility in Marcy in April 2022. This state-of-the-art facility is the world’s first purpose-built, fully automated 200mm silicon carbide fab, and when combined with Wolfspeed’s market-leading 200mm materials production, solidifies Wolfspeed’s competitive position as the only fully vertically integrated 200mm silicon carbide manufacturer at scale.
Wolfspeed’s MVF Facility is LEED Silver Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. Under this certification, a building is required to meet specifications including reducing contribution to global climate change, enhancing individual human health and enhancing community quality of life. To earn this certification, Wolfspeed has implemented 14 EV stations, constructed wetlands to naturally manage runoff at their site, uses 100% energy efficient LED lighting, recycles 33% of water used in the semiconductor fabrication process and was constructed with low VOC materials to improve indoor air quality.
Wolfspeed’s Waste Reduction Efforts
This summer, Wolfspeed’s Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) department worked with the Authority to further develop the facility’s recycling efforts with the main focus being on helping employees recycle properly. This effort was led by EHS department intern Amira Hansch, who currently attends Virginia Tech.
Tour of Authority Facilities – Members of Wolfspeed’s EHS department visited the Authority’s Utica location to see where their garbage and recycling ends up, how materials are sorted at the recycling center and to discuss the possibility of having their food waste brought to the Authority’s Food2Energy facility.
Introduction of Recycling Initiative – Posters were created to be placed above Wolfspeed’s garbage, recycling and food waste bins showing employees what items should be placed in each bin.
Recycling Presentations – Authority Recycling Coordinator, Eileen Brinck, was invited to present to Wolfspeed employees in a series of four presentations, ensuring that day shift and night shift employees could attend. A total of 150 employees attended these presentations. An online training based on the recycling presentation was created and assigned to all employees to reinforce what was discussed.
Expanding Recycling Programs – Wolfspeed’s EHS department is currently looking in to purchasing a cardboard baler to market their cardboard for recycling. In addition, they are also looking in to personal protective equipment (PPE) recycling through Kimberly Clark, which would greatly cut down on the use of single use items. Delivery of cafeteria food waste to the Authority’s Food2Energy facility will also be starting in the near future.
Program Longevity - Each of the parts of this recycling initiative have required Wolfspeed’s EHS department to have a close working relationship with their waste hauler, janitorial service company and the Authority. Doing so ensures that the initiative will continue in the future, providing a good base for other recycling initiatives to be added to.
“We are thrilled to have received this certification, awarding all the hard work we have done to increase our recycling rates, and we are excited to have formed a strong connection with the community through The Authority. I enjoyed working on this project and am looking forward to seeing the impact of my efforts in the future!” says EHS intern, Amira Hansch.
“It has been very rewarding for the Authority to work with Wolfspeed on their RecycleOne Certification’” says Authority Recycling Coordinator, Eileen Brinck. “Wolfspeed has become a key part of the manufacturing industry in our area and now that they are a certified RecycleOne Business, they have shown their dedication to responsibly managing their solid waste, benefitting our community even more than before.”
For more information on the Authority’s RecycleOne Business Certification program or to get your business certified, please contact Eileen Brinck at eileenb@ohswa.org or 315-733-1224 x 1400. More information can also be found at www.ohswa.org/business.